Get the scoop on tickets, rides, the USJ app, and handy tips for planning and navigating around the park.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an exhilarating and immersive theme park located in Osaka. The popular attraction brings many franchises to life, letting you experience some of your favourite movies, characters, and games in brand new ways, so check it out on your next trip to Japan!
What to know before visiting Universal Studios Japan
How do I buy tickets?
You can purchase tickets at the gate on the day itself, but we recommend you get yours in advance via the USJ website or through official third-party ticket merchants. As the USJ ticketing website only accepts credit or debit cards issued in Japan, it’s easiest to purchase tickets from Klook, Trip.com, or Traveloka. Tip: Traveloka has the best options to choose specific time slots for your timed-entry tickets!
What types of passes are available?
- Studio Pass
This is a general entry ticket to the park. Prices range from ¥8,600 (approx $75) for a one-day pass to ¥16,300 (approx $142) for a two-day pass. Note: you’re not allowed to re-enter the park after you exit, so plan your day accordingly. - Express Pass 4 or Express Pass 7
Express Passes can be bought in addition to the Studio Pass. They shorten the wait times and serve as timed entry tickets to popular areas like Super Nintendo World. The 4 pass goes for ¥12,800+ (approx $111), while the 7 pass is priced at ¥17,800+ (approx $155) and includes rides such as Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jaws, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Yoshi’s Adventure. - Special Entry
These tickets guarantee faster entry into a single area like Super Nintendo World. However, they don’t shorten your wait time for rides. Prices vary depending on the attraction. - VIP Experience
The VIP Experience (¥30,000+, approx $261) is a three-hour group tour that’s a good deal if you’re visiting with parties of six to 10 people. Conducted in English, the ticket includes exclusive lounge access, free drinks, priority access and express passes for selected attractions. Essentially, it ensures everyone in your party can take the same rides together.
When should I visit?
The peak hours for USJ are weekends, public holidays and Japanese school holidays. School trips can happen on weekdays too, and the park gets crowded when new rides and attractions open.
Here’s what to know about each season:
- January to February: Winter brings low temperatures and low humidity, as well as special Christmas events at the park. But it might get crowded during the school winter break (from the last week of December to the first week of January).
- March to May: Cherry blossom season in Japan is when all the tourists flock to the country. You might also want to avoid the school spring break (from the last week of March to the first week of April) and Japan’s Golden Week (29 April to 6 May).
- June to August: Summer season brings high humidity and heat, as well as school vacations from late July to early September.
- September to November: The early part of autumn sees high temperatures remain, so November might be a better time to visit.
When is the best time to arrive at the park?
Official opening hours are from 9am to 10pm, but you can reach an hour before the doors open, as the staff often lets people in a little earlier. This is crucial as you can get to the most popular rides before the wait times increase. The Japanese are punctual people and love to be early for appointments and events, so expect a long line for admissions well before the park officially opens!
How to get there
While it’s possible to get to USJ by bus or ferry from the port near Osaka Aquarium, the most efficient way is by train. You’ll first need to reach Nishikujo Station.
- From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line (Yamatoji Rapid or Local Counter-Clockwise) for 3 stops (6 minutes).
- From Osaka Namba Station, take the (Local) Hanshin-Namba Line for 4 stops (8 minutes).
- At Nishikujo Station, catch the JR Yumesaki Line bound for Universal-City Station; the ride is just 2 stops (5 minutes).
From Universal-City Station, walk through Universal City to the main entrance, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Universal City has numerous shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores that sell merchandise from all the attractions at the park. After getting through the line for admissions at the entrance, flash your QR code and head right in!
Themed areas in Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World is the newest “world” in the park, so you’ll need a special Timed Entry Ticket to enter this popular area, which is home to Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. You can get one of these tickets for free as an Express Pass available through the USJ app or by visiting a ticketing booth at the park.
In Super Mario Land, don’t miss out on the two popular rides – Yoshi’s Adventure and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. You can also purchase Power-Up Bands for ¥3,200 (approx $28) to interact with your surroundings. You can earn virtual coins and other items through the USJ app, and the Key Challenge lets you challenge Bowser Jr. to collect hidden keys in the area. They’re not required to enjoy Super Mario World, but they elevate your experience, especially if you’re a fan of the games!
Donkey Kong Country, which opened in December 2024, is the newest attraction in Super Nintendo World. It features an exciting rollercoaster called Mine Cart Madness, which takes you on an adventure through the jungle!
Other main attractions at USJ include:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: It’s home to a grand replica of Hogwarts Castle, rides like the immersive Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the tamer rollercoaster Flight of the Hippogriff, as well as fun street shows including Frog Choirs and Wand Magic Performances.
- Minion Park: You can ride the simulator Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and meet Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob.
- Jurassic Park: Swing by for daily dinosaur parades and get wet at the water-based attraction, Jurassic Park: The Ride.
- Plus, marvel at replicas of Hollywood Boulevard, 1930s New York City, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and Amity Village (the setting of the movie Jaws).
How to navigate the park
Check out the map online
If you don’t want to waste a minute, plan your route using the map on USJ’s website. Interactive and easy to navigate, it shows you all the rides, shows, restaurants, games, and shops. Child-friendly rides are identifiable at a glance, alongside rides more appropriate for older thrill-seeking guests – just look at the ride icons. Themed areas are also colour-coded, so you can plot your journey easily.
Use the USJ app
The USJ App is a useful tool for advance planning and staying updated during your visit. Scan your ticket QR codes or upload a picture of your admission passes through the app to personalise your experience and filter by attractions, shows, restaurants, and shops.
Don’t forget to check waiting times for specific rides and get the latest news from the park on ride closures. The filters on the map page even have an option for Guest Amenities, which shows all available ATMs, restrooms, first aid centres, nursing rooms, coin lockers, smoking areas, and more. Gone are the days of hunting down those family-essential facilities!
What to eat at the park
You’ll find plenty of food carts located around the park selling snacks, drinks, and light meals. Each area serves a different type of themed food: Minion Park has a Minion cookie and banana ice cream sandwich; the Harry Potter area sells butterbeer; and Super Nintendo World has a strawberry shortcake pancake sandwich shaped like Mario’s hat.
There are also restaurants in every themed area featuring a wide variety of cuisines. The food options at USJ are often updated, with many limited-time offers on special food items for seasonal events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Where to stay near Universal Studios Japan
The nearest hotel to USJ is The Park Front Hotel, which is located directly outside the park. Other official partner hotels located near Universal Citywalk Osaka – the stretch of restaurants and shops outside the park – include Oriental Hotel Universal City, Hotel Kintetsu Universal City, and Hotel Keihan Universal Tower. This lets you spend more time on rides without worrying about commuting around Osaka.
If you prefer to stay elsewhere, browse through the list of partner and associate hotels that have shuttle bus services directly to the park. With Osaka’s excellent train system, anywhere near a train station is good enough for accommodation in a pinch!
FAQs for Universal Studios Japan
How strict are the timings on the Express Pass?
The staff are quite flexible about the timings – as long as you have the right pass, they’ll allow you into the area even if you’re reasonably early or late. If you can’t fit into the seats for the rides, don’t be too worried. Park staff can exchange your pass for another ride and they’re extremely professional about it.
Should I use lockers at the park?
We recommend you travel light. A small, crossbody bag that fits all your essentials is best, especially if you’re planning on riding rollercoasters. Most rides offer a small area for guests to place their belongings. If you have bigger personal items like tote bags or backpacks, park staff might direct you to coin lockers where you’ll have to pay a small fee (¥1,000, approx $9) to keep your items safe.
Tip: don’t go wild snapping up all the merch throughout the day, because the souvenir shops at Universal City offer one last chance to buy anything you might’ve missed out on!
What is a Child Switch Ticket?
Guests visiting with companions who can’t get on rides (for example, small children) can get a Child Switch Ticket for certain attractions to let them take turns on the ride without waiting in line all over again.
That’s everything you need to know about Universal Studios Japan before your trip!
